Contrary to early theories and negative stereotypes, emotions do not diminish with old age. In fact, a growing number of studies have documented intact, and even improved, emotion regulation across the life span. Before we generalize this model of successful aging to all adults, however, we must examine possible exceptions to this phenomenon. Studies documenting age differences in these processes have focused on predominantly healthy adults, and it is unclear how physical health problems may alter the trajectory of emotional experience. The proposed research, guided by socioemotional selectivity theory, includes three studies to examine the developmental trajectory of emotional experience among people with chronic physical health conditions, and how physical health conditions influence age differences in affective well-being and strategies used to maintain wellbeing. A better understanding of the interrelationships between age, health status and affective well-being would benefit both applied and theoretical psychology. Chronic health conditions are normative among older adults, yet health psychologists often rely on clinical interventions that do not consider age differences in their design. On the other hand, interventions designed specifically for older adults are based on studies of emotion regulation among healthy individuals, not those with chronic health conditions. Moreover, it is uncertain what subgroups of older adults are at greatest risk for affective distress over time.
The specific aims are: 1) to examine how physical conditions alter the developmental trajectory of affective well-being, 2) to examine genetic and environmental influences in the covariation between chronic pain and the developmental trajectory of affective well-being, 3) to examine age differences in affective well-being and emotion regulation strategies among adults with chronic health conditions, and 4) to examine how chronic health conditions influence affective well-being and emotion regulation strategies among older adults.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01AG023845-01A1
Application #
6865240
Study Section
Social Psychology, Personality and Interpersonal Processes Study Section (SPIP)
Program Officer
Nielsen, Lisbeth
Project Start
2005-01-01
Project End
2009-12-31
Budget Start
2005-01-01
Budget End
2005-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$185,912
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Irvine
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
046705849
City
Irvine
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92697
Robinette, Jennifer W; Charles, Susan T (2016) Age, Rumination, and Emotional Recovery From a Psychosocial Stressor. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 71:265-74
Luong, Gloria; Charles, Susan T (2014) Age differences in affective and cardiovascular responses to a negative social interaction: the role of goals, appraisals, and emotion regulation. Dev Psychol 50:1919-30
Mackay, James; Charles, Susan T; Kemp, Bryan et al. (2011) Goal striving and maladaptive coping in adults living with spinal cord injury: associations with affective well-being. J Aging Health 23:158-76
Luong, Gloria; Charles, Susan T; Fingerman, Karen L (2011) Better With Age: Social Relationships Across Adulthood. J Soc Pers Relat 28:9-23
Charles, Susan Turk; Luong, Gloria; Almeida, David M et al. (2010) Fewer ups and downs: daily stressors mediate age differences in negative affect. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 65B:279-86
Mallers, Melanie H; Charles, Susan T; Neupert, Shevaun D et al. (2010) Perceptions of childhood relationships with mother and father: daily emotional and stressor experiences in adulthood. Dev Psychol 46:1651-61
Charles, Susan T; Carstensen, Laura L (2010) Social and emotional aging. Annu Rev Psychol 61:383-409
Charles, Susan Turk (2010) Strength and vulnerability integration: a model of emotional well-being across adulthood. Psychol Bull 136:1068-91
Charles, Susan Turk; Piazza, Jennifer R; Luong, Gloria et al. (2009) Now you see it, now you don't: age differences in affective reactivity to social tensions. Psychol Aging 24:645-53
Charles, Susan Turk; Carstensen, Laura L (2008) Unpleasant situations elicit different emotional responses in younger and older adults. Psychol Aging 23:495-504

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